‘Hey Google, Are My Dishes Clean’: GE Appliances Is First with Full Suites of Connected Appliances that Work Directly with the Google Assistant™

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LOUISVILLE, Ky.,—August 30, 2018—GE Appliances (GEA), a Haier company, announced today it is the first manufacturer to offer full suites of connected appliances that work directly with the Google Assistant,* bringing consumers the widest selection of options and styles available for building a smart home without the extra steps.

As a trailblazer in Internet of Things (IoT) technology for the home, GE Appliances collaborated with Google to make its many connected kitchen, laundry and comfort products even more convenient and clever. Previously, it was necessary to use GE Appliances’ Geneva Home Action to have a conversation with Google, but now you can skip the Geneva step altogether. Instead of saying, “Hey Google, ask Geneva Home to preheat the oven to 425 degrees,” just say, “Hey Google, preheat the oven to 425 degrees.”

“For GE Appliances, connected leadership starts with consumer tech that is purposeful and practical,”said Shawn Stover, vice president of GE Appliances’ SmartHome Solutions team. “Working with Google, we have created a more natural way to communicate with your appliances that allows you to speak your request like you would with any friend or family member who’s helping around the house.”

According to Stover, product owners want connected convenience that enables a way of life that didn’t exist just a few years ago. In response, GE Appliances delivered a complete lineup of WiFi Connect appliances that talk directly to the Google Assistant, creating simple solutions and efficiencies within the home.

“Building the strongest roster of smart products that play perfectly together is how we’ll continue to win across all consumer segments, from the first-time buyer to the smart home aficionado,” Stover said.

GE Appliances is one of the first major appliance manufacturers to offer a full suite of appliances that integrates with the Google Assistant.

Something Exciting for Everyone
Offering a full range of products that include connected refrigerators, ovens, ventilation hoods, dishwashers, air conditioners, washers and dryers, GE Appliances has the appliances consumers need to furnish their smart homes. In fact, shoppers can select from five distinct brands offering a variety of looks and features to fit any budget. From the subtle elegance of Monogram®appliances to the soft luster of the Café™ collection to the classic look of GE Profile™, GE®appliances and Haier brand products, there’s something smart and stylish for everyone who wants to make their connected kitchen or laundry room a reality.

“Whether you rank style or performance as the primary feature you seek for appliances, we’ve got it,” Stover said. “We have many models to choose from, and there’s a lot our appliances can do through Actions for the Google Assistant. You can ask the Google Assistant how much time is left on the washer cycle, if the dishes in the dishwasher are clean, to extend the tumble dry cycle or to turn off the air. It’s a continuing conversation you can have that gets more intuitive as you add more appliances to the mix.”

“Over the past year, we've been working closely with top brands like GE Appliances to make it easier than ever to do your daily chores by controlling your home appliances, from dishwashers to refrigerators, directly with the Google Assistant," said Michele Turner, director, Smart Home Ecosystem, Google. "Our integration with GE Appliances lets people speak naturally to the Google Assistant to get things done quickly around the home using just their voice to control GE Appliances’ full suites of connected appliances.”

One Platform to Live On
GE Appliances uses the U+ Connect platform as the “smart connection” that seamlessly integrates the Google Assistant with appliances. Through an open interface protocol, the platform allows for “dialogues” that enable a variety of appliances and services to connect.

“Simply link your account in the Google Home app to U+ Connect, and you are ready to go,” added Stover. “The platform is highly expandable, so you can connect the appliances you buy today or in six months and know they will sync up without a problem. The same goes for our current connected appliance owners as well. The platform is backward-compatible, so you get all the new functionality too.”

U+ Connect also works with other partners like Nest Labs, Innit®, Drop and other third-party integrations. This makes the platform a powerful tool for not only managing and monitoring appliances, but also improving the security and comfort of the home or trying out tempting new recipes.

*Based on currently available Google Direct Action packages for extending the Google Assistant capabilities

About GE Appliances WiFi-Connected Technology
GE Appliances, a Haier company, a leader in WiFi-connected appliance technology, makes owners’ lives easier while improving their daily routines. With its connected suites of GE Appliances, owners can monitor and maintain their home from virtually anywhere. From the kitchen to the laundry room, connected products work with Amazon Alexa®, the Google Assistant™, Apple®HomeKit™, Amazon Dash Replenishment®, Nest Labs, Drop, IFTTT and Innit®—allowing owners to stay on top of their appliances from near or far using their voice or a mobile device. Connected appliances also are updated remotely with new capabilities and can assess their own performance, allowing for unparalleled service. To learn more, visit http://www.geappliances.com/ge/connected-appliances/.

About GE Appliances
GE Appliances, a Haier company, creates “good things, for life” through our passion for great appliances and the happiness they can bring to every household. With the Hotpoint, GE®, Haier, Café™, GE Profile™ and Monogram®brands, owners have more choices for making their kitchens and homes amazing each day. Our products include refrigerators, freezers, cooking products, dishwashers, washers, dryers, air conditioners and water filtration systems. For more information, visit www.geappliances.com/our-company.